Yes, COVID-19 counts as a pandemic

A letter writer questions whether COVID-19 qualifies as a legitimate pandemic and goes further to question whether 148 Butte County citizens actually died of COVID-19 or — rather — from serious underlying medical conditions (“Not sure … ‘pandemic’”, 2/15).

The definition of a pandemic: “A pandemic is an epidemic occurring on a scale that crosses international boundaries, usually affecting people on a worldwide scale. A disease or condition is not a pandemic merely because it is widespread or kills many people; it must also be infectious.” Based on this definition, I believe COVID-19 is a pandemic.

Further, I see no problem with assigning those deaths to the combination of COVID-19, advanced age and pre-existing medical conditions. I don’t think the CDC would have an issue with this.

Re-framing these 148 deaths: Despite the fact that the majority of responsible residents in Butte County have been following the CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines for nearly a year (although we know that there are some naysayers), 148 deaths have resulted. Can you imagine what this number would be if NO ONE in this county had followed ANY of these guidelines for the past year? It is sobering to contemplate.

A further re-frame is in order: Data from the United Kingdom National Health Service assumes that 45% of COVID-19 patients who have required hospitalization will need ongoing medical care. Ongoing medical conditions of concern can include: lung scarring, heart damage, and neurological and mental health effects. This is the ‘invisible’ face of COVID-19.

— Mark S. Gailey, Chico